Biochemical reactor with an unclogging pipe

ABSTRACT

This disclosure describes a biochemical reactor with an unclogging pipe. The biochemical reactor may include a tank configured to house immobilized carriers and fluid. The biochemical reactor may include a circulation conduit at least partially disposed within the tank. The circulation conduit may include a circulation inlet opening and a circulation outlet opening. The biochemical reactor may include one or more vanes disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. The one or more vanes may be configured to cause the immobilized carrier and the fluid exiting the circulation outlet opening to enter into a helical pattern. The biochemical reactor may include an unclogging pipe configured to clear clogging of the circulation conduit. The unclogging pipe may be disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. Clearing clogging of the circulation conduit may include directing a pressurized flow of air to the circulation conduit via the unclogging pipe.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a biochemical reactor with an uncloggingpipe.

BACKGROUND

Biochemical reactors which circulate fluid may be used in a variety ofapplications. Biochemical reactors may utilize biodegradation performedby microorganisms within the reactor. The biodegradation may be used toproduce desired products, to remove specific elements or compounds fromground water and waste water, to perform conversion of ground water andwaste water, and/or other utilizations. For example, biochemicalreactors may be used for both nitrification (ammonia removal) anddenitrification (nitrate removal).

SUMMARY

Biochemical reactors may be configured to accommodate immobilizedcarriers, porous materials that provide a large surface area upon whichlive microorganisms are immobilized. Due to the microorganisms' affinityto the carrier material, the microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) may bemaintained or confined within the reactor and may be highlyconcentrated. Biodegradation within a biochemical reactor utilizingimmobilized carriers may proceed as raw fluid or influent is fed to thereactor and stirred or agitated such that the liquid comes into contactwith the immobilized carriers.

Bioreactors may be capable of performing highly specific reactions byutilizing the biodegradation by the microorganisms. Bioreactorapplications may include production of alcohol and antibiotics, removalof trace petroleum hydrocarbons and nitrogen from ground water and wastewater, removal of nitrates from ground water, waste water, or saltwater, and/or other applications. For example, bioreactors may beutilized in denitrification systems which treat aquatic salt water fromcommercial aquariums or ground water contaminated with chemicalfertilizers.

Current solutions for biological treatment systems may utilizesuspended-growth, continuously stirred biochemical tank reactors, orattached growth systems which use solid media to support the bacteria bywhich biodegradation is achieved. Such biochemical reactor designs maybe characterized by activated sludge systems that use large water tanksand problematically yield effluents containing large amounts of sludge,which must be removed by yet another treatment process. Other biologicalreactors including trickling filters or sand filters, which are smallerand have lower effluent biological solids content, may be plagued withmedia clogging, poor fluid flow characteristics, and loss of activebacteria.

Efficient utilization of immobilized carriers may be challenging withconventional systems. Immobilized carriers may become very buoyant dueto gases which are produced during many biodegradation processes. Due tothe high buoyancy of the immobilized carriers, it may be difficult tocontinuously stir or circulate the immobilized carriers within the rawfluid. Continuously stirring or circulating the immobilized carrierswithin the raw fluid may ensure efficient biodegradation. For example,immobilized carriers in biochemical reactors used in denitrificationsystems may generate nitrogen gas during the biodegradation process andmay tend to float to the top of the reactor such that they are difficultto stir or circulate within the reactor. Therefore, uniform distributionof the immobilized carriers in bioreactors under high nitrite loadingconditions may be difficult.

Conventional bioreactors may include an impeller within the bioreactorto stir and disperse the immobilized carriers within the fluid in thereactor. However, immobilized carriers are particularly fragile, andsuch impellers impart shear stress on the immobilized carriers to anextent that the immobilized carriers may become damaged. Moreover,during a start-up period of conventional bioreactors, it may bedifficult to remove or dislodge immobilized carriers disposed at thebottom of the tank such that the immobilized carriers are circulatedthroughout the bioreactor tank.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a biochemical reactor with anunclogging pipe. The biochemical reactor may include a tank configuredto house immobilized carriers and fluid. The immobilized carriers mayinclude porous materials and live microorganisms immobilized on asurface of the porous materials. The immobilized carriers may beconfigured to remove one or more contaminants from the fluid. Thebiochemical reactor may include a circulation conduit at least partiallydisposed within the tank. The circulation conduit may include acirculation inlet opening and a circulation outlet opening. Thebiochemical reactor may include one or more vanes disposed proximate tothe circulation outlet opening. The one or more vanes may be configuredto cause the immobilized carriers and the fluid exiting the circulationoutlet opening to enter into a helical pattern as the immobilizedcarriers and the fluid recirculate through the tank. The biochemicalreactor may include an unclogging pipe configured to clear clogging ofthe circulation conduit. The unclogging pipe may include an unclogginginlet opening and an unclogging outlet opening. The unclogging pipe maybe disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. Clearingclogging of the circulation conduit may include directing a pressurizedflow of air to the circulation conduit via the unclogging pipe.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a biochemical reactor, in accordancewith one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the biochemical reactortaken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the biochemical reactorbetween lines 2-2 and 3-3 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side and sectional operational view of abiochemical reactor, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a systematic view of a biochemical reactor, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a biochemical reactor with a variabletank thickness, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of a biochemical reactor with alower divider support structure, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 8 illustrates a conventional bioreactor with a centrifugal tube, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 9 illustrates a conventional bioreactor with a liquid current jetmechanism powered by an external pump, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a biochemical reactor 100 which containsimmobilized carriers 201 and a fluid such that biodegradation bymicroorganisms immobilized on the carriers may be utilized. In someimplementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include a tank 102, a tankinlet 106, a tank outlet 108, a circulation conduit 110, one or morevanes 112, an unclogging pipe 162, one or more side nozzles 164, a feedconduit 142, a first tank recirculation port 120, a second tankrecirculation port 118, a first divider 114, a second divider 116, agrating 166, and/or other components. In some implementations,biochemical reactor 100 may be configured for denitrification, theremoval of nitrates from ground water, waste water, salt water, oraquarium water. In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may beutilized for nitrification or methane fermentation. In someimplementations, biochemical reactor 100 may be utilized for reducing alevel of ammonium nitrogen in fluids.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a biochemical reactor 100, inaccordance with one or more implementations. In some implementations,biochemical reactor 100 may include a tank 102. Tank 102 may have asubstantially cylindrical shape and/or other shapes. Tank 102 may beconfigured to hold a fluid such as water and immobilized carriers (e.g.,immobilized carriers 201 as illustrated in FIG. 4). Tank 102 may includea tank inlet 106 disposed proximate to a second end (e.g., bottom) oftank 102. Tank 102 may include a tank outlet 108 disposed proximate to afirst end (e.g., top) of tank 102. In some implementations, tank inlet106 and tank outlet 108 may be circular holes or ports disposed within awall of tank 102. In some implementations, tank inlet 106 and tankoutlet 108 may include overflow walls, internal conduits, hoses, and/orother configurations.

In some implementations, influent (e.g., raw, untreated, contaminated,partially treated, and/or other fluids), may enter an interior of tank102 through tank inlet 106. In some implementations, effluent (e.g.,treated fluid) may exit the interior of tank 102 through tank outlet108.

In some implementations, the size of the tank 102 may be proportional toa desired volumetric flow rate of fluid into inlet 106. For example, ifone gallon per minute (gpm) of influent enters tank inlet 106, and it isdesired that the influent have at least a 30 minute retention timewithin the interior of tank 102, tank 102 may have a volumetric capacityof at least 30 gallons, between 40 and 60 gallons, and/or othercapacities. In some implementations, tank 102 capacity may be dependenton a capacity of the pumps used with tank 102.

In some implementations, tank 102 may include a cover 104. In someimplementations, tank outlet 108 may be disposed in cover 104. In someimplementations, tank 102 may be formed from two pieces. In someimplementations, tank 102 may be fabricated in one integral piece, froma plurality of pieces, and/or other constructions facilitating tank 102to hold fluid. In some implementations, cover 104 may attach to a firstdivider 114 proximate the first end.

In some implementations, first divider 114 may include a top disk 134which spans the width of tank 102 such that top disk 134 intersects aperiphery of tank 102. In some implementations, a second divider 116 maybe disposed proximate to the second end. Second divider 116 may span thewidth of tank 102. In some implementations, second divider 116 may bemounted to an interior surface of tank 102. In some implementations,first divider 114 and second divider 116 may be substantiallyperpendicular to tank 102 wall. In some implementations, first divider114 and/or second divider 116 may be disposed at an angle with tank 102wall. In some implementations, first divider 114 and/or second divider116 may include a flat surface, an irregular surface, an asymmetricalsurface, and/or other surfaces.

By way of a non-limiting example, FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectionalview of biochemical reactor 100 taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIG. 2, seconddivider 116, similar to first divider 114, may include a bottom disk 136and a perforated member 132. Top disk 134 and bottom disk 136 may becircular. In some implementations, Top disk 134 and bottom disk 136 maybe constructed from flat sheets of fiber reinforced plastic and/or othermaterials having a plurality of holes 160 equidistantly or substantiallyequidistantly spaced near a periphery of top disk 134 and bottom disk136. For example, the plurality of holes 160 may be disposed radiallyoutwardly from the center of top disk 134 and bottom disk 136.

In some implementations, individual ones of first divider 114 and/orsecond divider 116 may include perforated members 130 and 132respectively. In some implementations, perforated members 130 and 132may include thin and porous screen-like sheets. In some implementations,perforated members 130 and 132 may define a perforated area of firstdivider 114 and second divider 116 respectively. In someimplementations, perforated members 130 and 132 may be annulus shaped,ring shaped, and/or shaped by a region bounded by two concentriccircles. In some implementations, perforated members 130 and 132 may besized to cover all of holes 160 in top disk 134 and bottom disk 136. Insome implementations, perforated members 130 and 132 may not cover acenter area of top disk 134 and bottom disk 136.

In some implementations, perforated members 130 and 132 may be formedfrom ⅛ inch thick polyvinylchloride (PVC) having ⅛ inch diameter holesand/or other components. In some implementations, perforated members 130and 132 may function as a screen, filter, sieve, strainer, net, mesh,sponge, and/or other device by which immobilized carriers 201,individual ones of immobilized carriers 201 having a diameter ofapproximately ¼ inch, are prevented from passing there through. In someimplementations, depending upon a size of immobilized carrier 201,differently sized and configured perforated members 130 and 132 may beutilized. In some implementations, top disk 134 and bottom disk 136 maybe formed with a series of holes or perforations such that theperforated areas are part of top disk 134 and bottom disk 136. In someimplementations, individual ones of first divider 114 and second divider116 may be formed from one item having perforations therein. In someimplementations, first divider 114 may be formed from multiple itemsincluding at least top disk 134, perforated member 130, and/or otheritems. In some implementations, second divider 116 may be formed frommultiple items including at least bottom disk 136, perforated member132, and/or other items. In some implementations, the perforated area offirst divider 114 and second divider 116 may not be disposed proximateto a periphery of first divider 114 and second divider 116. In someimplementations, the perforated area of first divider 114 and seconddivider 116 may not be annularly-shaped.

Returning to FIG. 1, biochemical reactor 100 may include one or morevanes 112 disposed proximate to circulation outlet opening 138(described below in connection with FIG. 4). One or more vanes 112 maybe configured to cause immobilized carriers 201 and the fluid exitingcirculation outlet opening 138 to enter into a helical pattern asimmobilized carriers 201 and the fluid recirculate through tank 102. Insome implementations, one or more vanes 112 may direct immobilizedcarriers 201 such that immobilized carriers 201 rotate about alongitudinal axis of circulation conduit 110 (described below inconnection with FIG. 4) while also circulating through the interior ofthe circulation conduit 110 and the interior of tank 102. The helicalcirculation of immobilized carriers 201 may facilitate uniformdistribution of immobilized carriers 201 throughout carrier zone 156(described below in connection with FIG. 4) in biochemical reactor 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, there may be eight (for example) curved vanes 112,with individual vanes immediately adjacent a respective one of theopenings forming circulation outlet opening 138. Vanes 112 may beattached to an exterior surface of circulation conduit 110 by fiberreinforced plastic and/or other configurations. In some implementations,vanes 112 may be spaced from circulation opening 138. In someimplementations, vanes 112 may be curved to help induce the helicalmovement of immobilized carriers 201 and fluid about circulation conduit110. In some implementations, vanes 112 may not extend into perforatedmember 132 such that immobilized carriers 201 and fluid exitingcirculation outlet opening 138 are not forced to immediately “bounce” orreflect off the sides of the interior surface of tank 102. In someimplementations, vanes 112 may be interchanged with other apparatus forhelically moving immobilized carriers 201 in fluid motion aboutcirculation conduit 110. For example, vanes 112 may be interchanged withat least one helically shaped blade at least partially extending arounda periphery of circulation conduit 110. In some implementations, vanes112 may be interchanged with at least one straight, curved, or angledblade, plate, or fin.

In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include one or moreone or more side nozzles 164. The one or more side nozzles 164 may beconfigured to induce a tangential flow of fluid within tank 102. In someimplementations, the one or more side nozzles 164 may be disposedproximate to circulation inlet opening 140 (described below inconnection with FIG. 4). In some implementations, the one or more sidenozzles 164 may include a portion extending parallel to the interiorsurface of tank 102 such that a tangential flow of fluid is inducedwithin tank 102.

In some implementations, the one or more side nozzles 164 may compriseat least four side nozzles. In some implementations, the at least fourside nozzles 164 may be disposed proximate to first divider 114 andsecond divider 116. In some implementations, a first nozzle and a secondnozzle of the at least four nozzles 164 may be disposed between firstdivider 114 and second divider 116. In some implementations, the firstnozzle and the second nozzle may be located adjacent to first divider114. In some implementations, a third nozzle and a fourth nozzle of theat least four nozzles 164 may be disposed between first divider 114 andsecond divider 116. In some implementations, the third nozzle and thefourth nozzle may be located adjacent to second divider 116.

By way of a non-limiting example, FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectionalview of biochemical reactor 100 between lines 2-2 and 3-3 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with one or more implementations. As illustrated in FIG. 3,individual ones of the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the thirdnozzle, and the fourth nozzle may comprise a first portion. In someimplementations, the first portion may extend perpendicular to theinterior surface of tank 102. In some implementations, individual onesof the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the third nozzle, and the fourthnozzle may comprise a second portion. In some implementations, thesecond portion may extend parallel to the interior surface of tank 102.As shown in FIG. 3, the first nozzle may be disposed opposite the secondnozzle and the third nozzle may be disposed opposite the fourth nozzle.In some implementations, the first nozzle and the second nozzle mayoverlap the third nozzle and the fourth nozzle respectively.

In some implementations, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the thirdnozzle, and the fourth nozzle may be constructed from stainless steeland/or other materials. In some implementations, individual ones of thefirst nozzle, the second nozzle, the third nozzle, and the fourth nozzlemay comprise a pipe having a diameter of 2 inches and/or otherdimensions.

In some implementations, responsive to a high nitrate load, immobilizedcarriers 201 may become buoyant and accumulate below first divider 114.The first nozzle and the second nozzle may facilitate recirculation ofaccumulated immobilized carriers 201 by inducing a tangential flow. Insome implementations, the first nozzle and the second nozzle mayfacilitate a separate flow of water below first divider 114 to agitateaccumulated immobilized carriers 201 and release entranced nitrogen gas.In some implementations, immobilized carriers may be resting abovesecond divider 116 during treatment of fluids that do not producenitrogen gas (e.g., perchlorate). In some implementations, the thirdnozzle and the fourth nozzle may facilitate agitation of immobilizedcarriers resting above second divider 116.

Returning to FIG. 1, biochemical reactor 100 may include a tank inlet106. In some implementations, tank inlet 106 may be disposed betweenfirst divider 114 and second divider 116. In some implementations, tankinlet 106 may be disposed proximate to second divider 116 such that atime of the fluid being treated by immobilized carriers 201 ismaximized. In some implementations, tank inlet 106 may be disposed abovesecond divider 116 such that influent entering biochemical reactor 100does not damage second divider 116 responsive to a lack of circulationduring operation of biochemical reactor 100. For example, second divider116 may be damaged responsive to circulation flow being stopped duringfull flow operation if inlet flow is below second divider 116. In someimplementations, tank inlet 106 may be disposed such that backflow ofwater from biochemical reactor 100 and loss of immobilized carriers 201from biochemical reactor 100 is prevented. In some implementations, tankinlet 106 may be disposed such that a helical fluid flow is induced intank 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, tank inlet 106 may include aportion extending parallel to the interior surface of tank.

In some implementations, tank inlet 106 may be constructed fromstainless steel and/or other materials. In some implementations, adiameter of tank inlet 106 may be 4 inches and/or other dimensions. Insome implementations, responsive to a differential pressure, strain,and/or curvature of second divider 116 exceeding a predeterminedthreshold, a fluid flow to tank inlet 106 may be suspended.

In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include one or morepressure sensors configured to convey information related to adifferential pressure between first divider 114 and second divider 116.In some implementations, responsive to the differential pressureexceeding the predetermined threshold, the fluid flow to tank inlet 106may be suspended.

In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include a straingauge configured to convey information related to a strain on seconddivider 116. In some implementations, responsive to the strain exceedingthe predetermined threshold, the fluid flow to tank inlet 106 may besuspended.

In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include one or moreoptical sensors configured to convey information related to a curvatureof second divider 116. In some implementations, responsive to thecurvature exceeding the predetermined threshold, the fluid flow to tankinlet 106 may be suspended.

In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include a tankoutlet 108. In some implementations, tank outlet 108 may be disposedproximate the first end. In some implementations, tank outlet 108 may bedisposed above first divider 114. In some implementations, first divider114 may prevent the passage of immobilized carriers 201 to tank outlet108. In some implementations, first divider 114 may facilitate the fluidbeing treated to pass through the perforated area such that effluent maybe drawn from tank outlet 108.

In some implementations, first divider 114 and second divider 116 maydefine a first carrier-free zone 154 above first divider 114, a secondcarrier-free zone 158 below second divider 116, and a carrier zone 156in the area located between first divider 114 and second divider 116. Insome implementations, carrier zone 156 may include an area in whichfluid is being treated by immobilized carriers 201. By way of anon-limiting example, FIG. 4 illustrates a side and sectionaloperational view of biochemical reactor 100, in accordance with one ormore implementations. As shown in FIG. 4, carrier zone 156 includes anarea within biochemical reactor 100 where immobilized carriers 201 areuniformly or substantially uniformly circulated such that biodegradationby immobilized carriers 201 is utilized.

In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include acirculation conduit 110 at least partially disposed within tank 102. Insome implementations, circulation conduit 110 may be disposed withincarrier zone 156. In some implementations, circulation conduit 110 mayextend outside carrier zone 156, outside tank 102, and/or otherconfigurations. In some implementations, circulation conduit 110 mayinclude a cylindrical and tubular member having an upper end and a lowerportion disposed opposite from the upper end. In some implementations,circulation conduit 110 may include a circulation inlet opening 140 anda circulation outlet opening 138. In some implementations, circulationinlet opening 140 may be circular and may be disposed at the upper endof circulation conduit 110. In some implementations, circulation outletopening 138 may be disposed opposite from circulation inlet opening 140.In some implementations, circulation outlet opening 138 may be disposedat the lower portion of circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, circulation conduit 110 may be positioned along alongitudinal axis of tank 102, along a central axis of tank 102, and/orother positions. In some implementations, circulation conduit 110 isfree from any restrictions or tapers which may initiate clogging orpacking of immobilized carriers 201 within circulation conduit 110.

In some implementations, a diameter of circulation conduit 110 may be ⅓to 1/15 of a diameter of tank 102. In some implementations, the diameterof circulation conduit 110 may be ⅕ to 1/10 of the diameter of tank 102.In some implementations, the diameter of circulation conduit 110 may bedependent on a desired capacity of bioreactor 100. For example, thediameter for tank 102 may be approximately 49 inches and the diameter ofcirculation conduit 110 may be 8 inches. In some implementations,circulation conduit 110 may include an oval tube, a tube with changingdiameters, a square tube, and/or other tubes. In some implementations,circulation conduit 110 may be constructed from fiber reinforced plasticand/or other materials.

In some implementations, circulation conduit 110 may include a length atleast greater than half the distance between first divider 114 andsecond divider 116. In some implementations, the length of circulationconduit 110 may be dependent on dimensions of other parts of biochemicalreactor 100.

In some implementations, circulation inlet opening 140 may permit fluidand immobilized carriers 201 to enter into circulation conduit 110. Insome implementations, circulation outlet opening 138 may permitimmobilized carriers 201 and fluid to exit circulation conduit 110. Insome implementations, an area of circulation inlet opening 140 andcirculation outlet opening 138 may be selected to facilitate immobilizedcarrier 201 to pass there through.

As shown in FIG. 4, circulation outlet opening 138 may be located in anexterior surface of the circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, a bottom end of circulation conduit 110 may be closedoff. In some implementations, the bottom end of circulation conduit 110may be adjacent to bottom disk 136. In some implementations, fluidtraversing through circulation conduit 110 may not be permitted toimmediately enter second carrier-free zone 158. In some implementations,bottom disk 136 may block the passage of the fluid in the areaimmediately surrounding the periphery of circulation conduit 110 nearthe second end of tank 102. In some implementations, holes 160 formed inbottom disk 136 and covered by the perforated member 132 may permitpassage of the fluid to second carrier-free zone 158.

In some implementations, circulation outlet opening 138 may include aseries of tubes or pipes extending from circulation conduit 110 at anangle to induce helical motion to immobilized carriers 201 and fluid. Insome implementations, circulation outlet opening 138 may include aplurality of slit-shaped openings or slots that extend through the wallof circulation conduit 110. In some implementations, the plurality ofslit-shaped openings may be formed in the lower portion of circulationconduit 110. In some implementations, circulation outlet opening 138 mayinclude oval-shaped openings, circular openings, square-shaped openings,curved slits, perforated patterns, and/or other openings facilitatingpassage of immobilized carriers 201 there through. In someimplementations, circulation outlet opening 138 may include eightslit-shaped openings. In some implementations, the eight slit-shapedopenings may be equidistantly spaced about the periphery of circulationconduit 110.

In some implementations, a total rectangular net cross-sectional area ofthe eight slit-shaped openings may be at least equal to the circularcross-sectional area of circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, circulation outlet opening 138 may include an area suchthat immobilized carriers 201 traversing through circulation conduit 110do not pack, choke, or clog near the bottom of circulation conduit 110.In some implementations, the net cross-sectional area of circulationoutlet opening 138 may be at least 50% greater than the cross-sectionalarea of circulation conduit 110 to prevent choking of immobilizedcarriers 201 within circulation conduit 110 at maximum loadingconditions. For example, the net cross-sectional area of circulationoutlet opening 138 may be approximately 75 square inches, and thecross-sectional area of circulation conduit 110 may be approximately 50square inches.

Returning to FIG. 1, biochemical reactor 100 may include an uncloggingpipe 162. Unclogging pipe 162 may be configured to clear clogging ofcirculation conduit 110. In some implementations, unclogging pipe 162may include an unclogging inlet opening and an unclogging outletopening. In some implementations, second divider 116 may include anaperture. In some implementations, the unclogging outlet opening may becoupled to the second divider 116 aperture. In some implementations,unclogging pipe 162 may extend beyond a surface of second divider 116into circulation conduit 110. In some implementations, Unclogging pipe162 may extend along a central axis of circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, unclogging pipe 162 may be constructed from stainlesssteel and/or other materials. In some implementations, unclogging pipe162 may have a diameter of ⅜ inch. In some implementations, uncloggingpipe 162 may include a flex line configured to prevent unclogging pipe162 from breaking responsive to a movement of biochemical reactor 100, amovement of unclogging pipe 162, and/or other movements.

In some implementations, the unclogging inlet opening may be coupled toa pressure generating device. In some implementations, responsive to adetection of clogging in circulation conduit 110, pressurized airgenerated by the pressure generator may be delivered to circulationconduit 110 via the unclogging outlet opening. In some implementations,the pressure generator may be configured to deliver pressurized airduring a non-operation period of biochemical reactor 100 to prevent adisruption of biochemical reactor 100 normal operations.

In some implementations, biochemical reactor 100 may include a feedconduit 142. In some implementations, feed conduit 142 may include afeed outlet 144. In some implementations, fluid flow may be directed outof feed outlet 144 into circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, the fluid flow emanating from feed outlet 144 may beobtained by pumping fluid from a first recirculation port 120, a secondrecirculation port 118, and/or other ports. In some implementations,first recirculation port 120 may be disposed above first perforatedmember 130 in first carrier-free zone 154. In some implementations,first recirculation port 120 may be configured such that no immobilizedcarriers 201 exit tank 102 when fluid is drawn from tank 102 by firstrecirculation port 120. In some implementations, second recirculationport 118 may be disposed below second perforated member 132 in secondcarrier-free zone 158. Second recirculation port 118 may be configuredsuch that no immobilized carriers 201 exit tank 102 via secondrecirculation port 118.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, second recirculation port 118 may be formed bya tube having an inlet disposed within second carrier-free zone 158. Insome implementations, an end portion of second recirculation port 118may include a bend such that the inlet opening to second recirculationport 118 is angled downwardly and disposed proximate to the second endof tank 102 to prevent the drawing of immobilized carrier 201 towardsperforated member 132.

In FIG. 4, feed conduit 142 may be configured to induce a circulationmotion of immobilized carriers 201 and fluid into circulation inletopening 140. In some implementations, feed conduit 142 may be disposeddirectly above a center of circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, first divider 114 may include an aperture 150. In someimplementations, feed conduit 142 outlet may be coupled to aperture 150.In some implementations, aperture 150 may include a seal (not shown)which prevents immobilized carriers 201 from passing through any spacebetween first divider 114 and an exterior surface of feed conduit 142.In some implementations, feed conduit 142 may not extend beyond asurface of first divider 114 toward second divider 116. In someimplementations, feed conduit 142 may be disposed along the central axisof circulation conduit 110. In some implementations, feed conduit 142outlet may be immovable with respect to circulation inlet opening 140.In some implementations, a threaded clasp-type member 148 may apply aforce against the exterior surface of feed conduit 142 to hold feedconduit 142 in place such that feed conduit 142 is immovable withrespect to circulation inlet opening 140.

In some implementations, a distance between first divider 114 andcirculation inlet opening 140 may be equivalent to a diameter ofcirculation inlet opening 140. As such, a distance between feed outlet144 and circulation inlet opening 140 may be equivalent to the diameterof circulation inlet opening 140. For example, the diameter ofcirculation inlet opening may be 18 inches and the distance between feedoutlet 144 and circulation inlet opening 140 may be 18 inches. In someimplementations, feed conduit 142 may be rod-shaped. In someimplementations, feed conduit 142 may include a cylindrical and hollowtube. In some implementations, feed conduit 142 may be constructed fromstainless steel and/or other materials.

In some implementations, the fluid may include one or more contaminants.In some implementations, a flow rate of fluid in feed conduit 142 may beadjusted based on the one or more contaminants and a concentration ofthe one or more contaminants. In some implementations, responsive toimmobilized carriers 201 accumulating proximate first divider 114, thefluid flow rate may be increased. In some implementations, fluid flowout of feed outlet 144 into circulation conduit 110 may induce acirculation motion of immobilized carrier 201 and fluid into circulationinlet opening 140, out of circulation outlet opening 138, through theinterior of tank 102, and again into circulation inlet opening 140. Insome implementations, the induced flow effect may draw immobilizedcarriers 201 into circulation conduit 110 at a greater flow rate thanthe flow rate exiting feed outlet 144. For example, the inlet influentvolumetric flow rate into biochemical reactor 100 may be one gpm, therecirculation volumetric flow rate exiting feed outlet 144 may be 10gpm, and the induced volumetric flow rate of immobilized carriers 201and fluid through circulation conduit 110 may be approximately 40 to 50gpm. In some implementations, the velocity of fluid flowing throughcirculation conduit 110 may be at least 13 ft/s when treating nitrates(a gas producing contaminant). In some implementations, the flow ratemay be minimized to prevent unnecessary contact and wear of immobilizedcarriers 201 when treating non-gas producing contaminants.

In some implementations, circulation inlet opening 140 may include acirculation inlet cross-sectional area of a predetermined relationshipto the feed outlet 144 cross-sectional area such that when fluid flow isdirected out of feed outlet 144 toward circulation conduit 110, thevolumetric circulation flow rate of immobilized carriers 201 and fluidthrough circulation conduit 110 is at least three times greater than avolumetric flow rate of fluid flow through feed outlet 144. In someimplementations, the volumetric circulation flow rate of immobilizedcarriers 201 and fluid through circulation conduit 110 may be four toten times greater than the volumetric flow rate of fluid flow throughfeed outlet 144. For example, circulation inlet cross-sectional area maybe at least four times, ten times, and/or other amounts greater than thefeed outlet cross-sectional area.

FIG. 5 illustrates a systematic view of a biochemical reactor, inaccordance with one or more implementations. In FIG. 5, biochemicalreactor 100 may be incorporated in a partial assembly of adenitrification system. The denitrification system may include adeaeration reactor 200 along with biochemical reactor 100. Deaerationreactor 200 may be an implementation of biochemical reactor 100, aseries of biochemical reactors 100, and/or other devices for removingoxygen from raw influent. As shown in FIG. 5, the raw influent may befed to the system at a system inlet 202 where it is pumped intodeaeration reactor 200 by a pump 204 to remove oxygen from the influentprior to treatment by bioreactor 100. In some implementations, rawinfluent may be retained within deaeration reactor 200 for approximately20-45 minutes and/or other durations. In some implementations, theduration of raw influent retention within deaeration reactor 200 may bedependent on an oxygen content of the raw influent. In someimplementations, after sufficient oxygen has been removed from the rawinfluent, a pump 206 may pump the effluent from deaeration reactor 200into inlet 106 of biochemical reactor 100.

In some implementations, once fluid is drawn from tank 102 by eitherfirst recirculation port 120 and/or second recirculation port 118, apump 208 may pump the fluid along a recirculation line 212 into feedconduit 142.

In some implementations, an extent to which fluid is drawn from firstrecirculation port 120 or second recirculation port 118 may depend on apoint in time when the denitrification system is operated. Immobilizedcarriers 201 may not be buoyant at start-up of biochemical reactor 100.In some implementations, immobilized carriers 201 may be disposedproximate to the second end of tank 102, directly above second divider116. In some implementations, approximately 80% of the recirculationflow may be drawn from first recirculation port 120 and 20% from thesecond recirculation port 118 at start-up such that immobilized carriers201 are drawn toward perforated member 130 and circulated in carrierzone 156. In some implementations, after immobilized carriers 201 havebegun to circulate, generate gas, and become more buoyant, the operationof biochemical reactor 100 may reach a steady state. In someimplementations, approximately 40% of the recirculation flow may bedrawn from first recirculation port 120 and 60% from the secondrecirculation port 118 at steady state.

In some implementations, tank 102 wall may be reinforced to preventdamages from warping. In some implementations, warping of tank 102sidewalls may be caused by an increased load resistance of seconddivider (described below in connection with FIG. 7). In someimplementations, tank 102 may include a first thickness. In someimplementations, at least a portion of tank 102 may include a reinforcedstructure. In some implementations, the reinforced structure may includea second thickness greater than the first thickness. By way of anon-limiting example, FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a biochemicalreactor with a variable tank thickness, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. As shown in FIG. 6, a mid-section of tank 102 mayinclude the first thickness T₁. In some implementations, first thicknessT₁ may increase toward the first end and the second end. The first endand the second end may include the second thickness T₂. For example,first thickness T₁ may be ¼ inch and second thickness T₂ may be ⅜ inch.In some implementations, an entirety of tank 102 wall may be thickened.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of a biochemical reactor with alower divider support structure, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. As shown in FIG. 7, at least second divider 116includes a support structure configured to withstand variable loads. Insome implementations, the support structure may include a grating 166disposed between second divider 116 and the second end. In someimplementations, the variable loads may include one or more pressuresexerted by fluid within tank 102 and circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, the support structure may include a ring 168 disposedabove a periphery of second divider 116. In some implementations, asealant 170 may be disposed between ring 168 and second divider 116 suchthat, responsive to a deformation of second divider 116, immobilizedcarriers 201 are entrapped between first divider 114 and second divider116. In some implementations, sealant 170 may include silicone and/orother materials.

In some implementations, grating 166 may include fiberglass grating. Insome implementations, fiber glass grating 166 may include a resincoating. In some implementations, the resin coating may be configured tocomply with NSF 60 and NSF 61 requirements. In some implementations,fiberglass grating 166 may have a thickness of four inches and/or otherthicknesses. In some implementations, grating 166 may be constructedusing stainless steel and/or other materials. In some implementations,stainless steel grating 166 may have a thickness of two inches and/orother thicknesses.

In some implementations, the support structure may include a hollow tube158 disposed between grating 166 and the second end. In someimplementations, hollow tube 158 may be coupled to grating 166 and thesecond end along the central axis of circulation conduit 110. In someimplementations, hollow tube 158 may be configured to provide supportfor grating 166. For example, hollow tube 158 may prevent a deformationof grating 166. In some implementations, a center of grating 166 maycurve, bend, and/or deform due to pressures exerted by fluid within tank102 and circulation conduit 110. In some implementations, hollow tube158 may provide support for at least a center of grating 166.

By way of a non-limiting contrasting example, FIG. 8 illustrates aconventional bioreactor with a centrifugal tube. In FIG. 8, bioreactor50 may include a centrifugal tube 1. Centrifugal tube 1 may have acurved end 2. Curved end 2 may be disposed proximate to outlet 10.Centrifugal tube 1 may be mounted on a rotary shaft 8 within theinterior of the bioreactor tank 4. Centrifugal tube 1 may be rotatedsuch that a centrifugal force is generated. The centrifugal force maydraw the immobilized carriers into the top inlet of the centrifugal tube1, through the interior length 11 of the tube and out of the outlet 10disposed near the bottom of the reactor. Shaft 8 and centrifugal tube 1may need to be continuously rotated by a motor 9 to create thecentrifugal action.

Bioreactor 50 may include insufficient capabilities when adapted for usein large denitrification systems. For example, due to the presence ofmany rotating parts within the interior of bioreactor 50, it may bechallenging to construct. Additionally, centrifugal tube 1 may need tobe extremely large to accommodate flow rates and denitrificationrequirements with large denitrification systems (e.g., bioreactors usedwith commercial aquariums). Due to the required size of centrifugal tube1 for large denitrification systems, centrifugal tube 1 may be difficultto rotate and balance. Therefore, moving parts of the bioreactor 50 maybe made from materials accommodating large forces generated whenrotating a large centrifugal tube 1. Such materials may be expensive,particularly when the materials need to be corrosion resistant in saltwater. Removing high amounts of nitrates may require centrifugal tube 1to be rotated faster. Faster rotation may create a vortex within thebioreactor, drawing oxygen into the fluid within the reactor. Presenceof oxygen within the water may undermine the capabilities of theimmobilized carriers to remove nitrates from the water.

By way of a non-limiting contrasting example, FIG. 9 illustrates aconventional bioreactor 25 with a liquid current jet mechanism 20powered by an external pump 22. Bioreactor 25 may include a filter 21.Filter 21 may separate immobilized carriers 15 from the fluid such thatthe fluid may be drawn from the bioreactor and delivered to pump 22.Pump 22 may be disposed external of bioreactor vessel 24. Pump 22 maypump the fluid at a high velocity around a bottom opening 27 of a tube26 such that immobilized carriers and fluid within tube 26 are drawnthrough bottom opening 27 by the high velocity fluid.

Liquid current jet mechanism 20 may create flow within tube 26 andwithin the interior of bioreactor vessel 24. Bottom opening 27 may betapered inward to enhance the suction of immobilized carriers 15 andfluid through tube 26. The tapered design may cause immobilized carriers15 to pack-up and choke bottom opening 27. Responsive to jet mechanism20 being clogged or packed, the bioreactor may need to be shut down,drained, and disassembled to unpack immobilized carriers 15 from bottomopening 27.

External pump 22 may generate high flows rates for jet mechanism 20 toprovide the amount of suction necessary to properly and uniformlydistribute immobilized carriers 15 within bioreactor vessel 24. As such,a large pump may be required for high load. Use of a large pump maydecrease the efficiency of bioreactor 25.

Due to jet mechanism 20 being disposed proximate to bottom opening 27,drawing buoyant immobilized carriers 15 into tube 26 inlet may bechallenging. Immobilized carriers 15 may float and accumulate on thesurface of the fluid within bioreactor vessel 24 before immobilizedcarriers 15 are drawn into tube 26 inlet. As such, a non-uniformdispersion of immobilized carriers 15 within bioreactor 25 may be causedand the efficiency of, for example, denitrification within bioreactor 25may be reduced

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A biochemical reactor with an unclogging pipe,the biochemical reactor comprising: a tank configured to houseimmobilized carriers and fluid, the tank having sidewalls, a first endand a second end opposite the first end, the sidewalls having a firstthickness in a mid-section region of the tank and a second thickness atthe first end and the second end, wherein the second thickness isgreater than the first thickness, and the immobilized carriers includingporous materials and live microorganisms immobilized on a surface of theporous materials, wherein the immobilized carriers are configured toremove one or more contaminants from the fluid; a circulation conduit atleast partially disposed within the tank, the circulation conduit havinga circulation inlet opening and a circulation outlet opening, thecirculation inlet opening disposed proximate to the first end, thecirculation outlet opening disposed proximate to the second end; one ormore vanes disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening, the oneor more vanes configured to cause the immobilized carrier and the fluidexiting the circulation outlet opening to enter into a helical patternas the immobilized carrier and the fluid recirculate through the tank;and an unclogging pipe configured to clear clogging of the circulationconduit, the unclogging pipe having an unclogging inlet opening and anunclogging outlet opening, wherein the unclogging pipe is disposedproximate to the circulation outlet opening, and wherein clearingclogging of the circulation conduit includes directing a pressurizedflow of air to the circulation conduit via the unclogging pipe.
 2. Thebiochemical reactor of claim 1, further comprising: a tank inletconfigured for feeding fluid into the tank; a tank outlet configured fordrawing fluid from the tank; a tank recirculation port disposedproximate to the second end, the tank recirculation port configured suchthat fluid is drawn from the tank through the tank recirculation port; afirst divider having a perforated area, the first divider being disposedbetween the circulation inlet opening and the tank outlet for separatingfluid from the immobilized carriers; and a second divider having aperforated area, the second divider being disposed between thecirculation outlet opening and the tank recirculation port forseparating fluid from the immobilized carriers.
 3. The biochemicalreactor of claim 2, wherein the second divider comprises a firstaperture, and wherein the unclogging outlet opening is coupled to thefirst aperture.
 4. The biochemical reactor of claim 3, wherein theunclogging pipe extends beyond a surface of the second divider along acentral axis of the circulation conduit.
 5. The biochemical reactor ofclaim 1, wherein the unclogging inlet opening is coupled to a pressuregenerating device.
 6. The biochemical reactor of claim 5, wherein thepressure generating device is configured to deliver pressurized airduring a non-operation period of the biochemical reactor to prevent adisruption of the biochemical reactor normal operations.
 7. Thebiochemical reactor of claim 1, wherein the unclogging pipe isconstructed from stainless steel.
 8. The biochemical reactor of claim 1,wherein the unclogging pipe comprises a diameter of ⅜ inch.
 9. Thebiochemical reactor of claim 1, wherein the unclogging pipe comprises aflex line configured to prevent the unclogging pipe from breakingresponsive to a movement of the biochemical reactor and/or a movement ofthe unclogging pipe.